What do SSS students do at CEDEN/ABC?
First, a word of clarification. For many years, students from St. Stephen's volunteered their time each Saturday morning at a health and education non-profit organization in East Austin called CEDEN ("Center for Education, Development, and Nutrition"). Several years ago, this organization merged with Any Baby Can of Austin, since both organizations served largely the same clientele. Recently, Candlelighters of Austin also merged with Any Baby Can to further consolidate and expand the services provided. Perhaps due to the long association of St. Stephen's with CEDEN and the fact that the work which St. Stephen's students do on Saturdays is not primarily oriented toward babies, we have chosen at St. Stephen's to continue referring to the organization as "CEDEN", adding "ABC", for its allusion to the alphabet and literacy, in addition to its literal reference to Any Baby Can.
So, what do we do there? The short answer is: whatever is needed. The main focus is on teaching English as a second language and most of the clients are Spanish-speaking, ranging in age from children to the elderly. Quite often, younger students will come seeking help with other subjects as well, math being a prime area of concern. When St. Stephen's students (and, occasionally, volunteers from other high schools, ACC, St. Edward's University and UT) arrive at 10:30, the director of the Saturday program, Ms. Ruth Wells, matches volunteers with clients. Students who are volunteering for the first time are usually assigned to work with other, more experienced volunteers. As one can imagine, having some familiarity with Spanish is often helpful. It is not a requirement for participation, however. Many clients already have some English skills and just want practice in conversation and the spoken language. Volunteers are provided with any teaching materials they may need.
The main reward our students experience is the satisfaction of giving to others and helping them learn a valuable skill. Since St. Stephen's initiated a community service requirement of 8 hours per year, students can also count their Saturday morning service (1.5 hours per session) toward this requirement. At the end of the school year, students who have been frequent volunteers at the Saturday program are recognized for their service as Distinguished CEDEN/ABC volunteers.
Students (and their friends and family!) are welcome to volunteer at the Saturday program whenever they have time. Boarding students can come in school transportation (usually a Suburban driven by SSS residential faculty) which leaves from the Student Center at 10:00 a.m. Students who can drive are welcome to go directly to Any Baby Can, located at 1121 East 7th St.